This historic Chester County property, once known as the General Paoli Tavern or “Little Paoli,” presented a rare design challenge: how do you bring a lighter, fresher aesthetic into an 18th-century log-and-stone home without erasing the character that makes it extraordinary?
The homeowner wanted a lighter, brighter feel inspired by the relaxed, coastal aesthetic of Serena & Lily – even though she knew that style wasn’t an obvious match for her historic Pennsylvania farmhouse. Rather than trying to make the house something it isn’t, the goal became finding the qualities she loved about that look -lightness, softness, natural textures and an easy elegance – and interpreting them in a way that respected the home’s existing character.
The transformation actually began during our initial consultation with one very simple change: removing the heavy existing window valances. Instantly, the rooms felt brighter, and the home’s beautiful architectural details had more room to breathe.
From there, the design plan began taking shape around the realities of an 18th-century home. Uneven walls, unusual angles, exposed beams, existing stone and log elements, electric baseboard heaters and unconventional room configurations all influenced furniture placement, lighting, window treatments and circulation.
Rather than fighting those quirks, the design works with them. A lighter neutral palette and softer textiles balance the home’s dark wood floors and beams, while natural materials, traditional forms and warm finishes connect the newer furnishings to the historic architecture.
The result is intended to feel lighter and fresher without erasing what makes the house special in the first place.
With the design plan complete, the next step is bringing it to life.
